Disavowal in Story of Moses
So there are two qualities that exist in people’s relations: affection and hate. Now what should be our criteria for deciding whom to like and whom to dislike?
Tawalli (love for the sake of Allah) and Tabarri (hatred for the sake of Allah) are two important religious principles based on which one should adopt proper stances in relations with other people.
One should be very careful in choosing his friends and companions because they are going to have major impacts on his character and conduct.
Tabarri, or Bira’at’, means staying away from anything whose company is not desirable. It also means getting rid of something that is ominous.
The issue of Tawalli and Tabarri is an important one in moral and educational fields as they help one to develop good moral qualities in his character and stay away from bad ones.
Imam Sadiq (AS) told one of his companions named Jabir: Whenever you want to know whether there is good in you, look at your heart. If it likes those who obey God and dislikes those who disobey God, you are a good person. Otherwise, you are not and there is not good in you.
Prophet Moses (AS), who was a great messenger of God, used Tabarri against pharaoh and his people.
Pharaoh was very fearful that monotheism may enter his palace. In order to prevent that, he decided to kill Moses (AS). “Pharaoh said: ‘Let me kill Moses, then let him call to his Lord! I am fearful that he will change your religion or cause mischief in the land.’” (Verse 26 of Surah Ghafir)
Moses (AS), who is said to have been present in that meeting, had no fear of such a threat. Relying on God, he said: “I take refuge in my Lord and in your Lord from every arrogant person who does not believe in Day of Reckoning.” (Verse 27 of Surah Ghafir)
What Moses (AS) said clearly indicates that those with these two traits are dangerous persons: 1- Arrogance. 2. Not believing in the Resurrection Day.
One should disavow and stay away from such people and take refuge in God. Being arrogant causes one to not see anything and anyone but himself and his own ideas.
Lacking belief in the Resurrection Day causes one to even try to stand against God’s power and fight a war against His messengers.
Prophet Moses (AS) showed the path to people and taught us what individuals we should disavow and stay away from.
